Shadowlands Renown System
With the arrival of the Shadowlands expansion in World of Warcraft, a brand new progression system known as Renown has been introduced. This system is intertwined with the Covenant you choose once you reach level 60. Similar to the Tillers' reputation in Mists of Pandaria or the Fisherfriends in Legion, Renown is designed to offer a structured progression path, but it plays a more significant role in the Shadowlands storyline and gameplay.
Note: The details in this guide are based on pre-release information and may change upon official release.
Understanding Renown
Renown is a Covenant-specific progression metric that players can earn to unlock various features and rewards. As you increase your Renown level, you gain access to more features like Soulbinds, new campaign quests, upgrades for your Sanctum, enhanced item levels for World Quests, and exclusive Covenant-themed cosmetics, including transmogrification sets, pets, mounts, titles, and achievements.
Unlike the endless grind of Artifact Power in Legion or Azerite Power in Battle for Azeroth, Renown is a finite system capped at 40 levels. Furthermore, players can only earn a set amount of Renown each week, preventing the need for continuous grinding.
Earning Renown
Renown is earned through two main methods. First, completing chapters of your Covenant’s campaign will reward you with Renown levels. Each Covenant campaign consists of eight chapters, providing eight Renown levels upon completion. Additionally, players can complete two weekly quests, "Replenish the Reservoir" and "Return Lost Souls," each awarding one Renown point. To reach the maximum Renown level, players will need approximately 14 weeks.
Tip: If you fall behind on Renown, there are catch-up mechanisms that allow you to earn Renown through activities like dungeons, raids, PvP, and Callings.
Soulbinds and Talents
Each Covenant offers three unique Soulbinds, each with its own talent tree containing eight rows. Players can choose talents, including conduits, as they progress in Renown. Access to each row requires achieving specific Renown levels. For instance, reaching Renown level 4 unlocks the third row of talents for the first Soulbind. Completing the Covenant campaign at Renown level 21 unlocks the third Soulbind.
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Renown Rewards
The Renown system is designed to reward players consistently, providing at least a minor reward at each level. Major rewards, known as Milestones, offer significant benefits. These include unlocking new talent rows for Soulbinds, recruiting adventurers, earning legendary recipes, increasing item levels for World Quests, enhancing Sanctum areas, and acquiring perks like mounts and pets. Regardless of the Covenant you choose, the reward pattern remains consistent across all factions.
Kyrian Renown Rewards
Kyrian players can claim rewards from Adjutant Galos, the Covenant Quartermaster. Key rewards include:
Renown Level 9: Covenant Armor Transmogrification Set (Wrist, Hands, Waist)
Renown Level 14: Legendary Recipe - Runecarver Memory
Renown Level 17: Phalynx of Purity Mount
Renown Level 20: Illusion - Transcendent Soul, a pet, and a Hearthstone
Renown Level 21: Final chapter of the Kyrian campaign and Forgelite Prime Mikanikos
Renown Level 22: Covenant Armor Transmogrification Set (Back, Legs, Feet)
Renown Level 30: Covenant Armor Transmogrification Set (Head, Shoulders, Chest)
Renown Level 37: New Weapon appearances
Renown Level 39: Talent row 8 for all Soulbinds
Renown Level 40: Eternal Phalynx of Purity Mount
Venthyr Renown Rewards
Venthyr players can claim rewards from Chachi the Artiste, the Covenant Quartermaster. Notable rewards include:
Renown Level 2: Covenant Armor Transmogrification Set (Back, Legs, Feet)
Renown Level 3: Covenant Transmogrification Appearance - Ebony Crypt Keeper's Mantle
Renown Level 9: Covenant Armor Transmogrification Set (Wrist, Hands, Waist)
Renown Level 11: Venthyr Sinstone Toy
Renown Level 21: Final chapter of the Venthyr campaign and General Draven
Renown Level 22: Covenant Armor Transmogrification Set (Back, Legs, Feet)
Renown Level 23: Sinfall Gargon Mount
Renown Level 27: Sinheart Pet
Renown Level 36: Illusion - Sinwrath
Renown Level 30: Covenant Armor Transmogrification Set (Head, Shoulders, Chest)
Renown Level 34: Covenant Transmogrification Appearance - Mantle of the Forgemaster's Dark Blades
Renown Level 37: New Weapon appearances
Renown Level 39: Talent row 8 for all Soulbinds
Renown Level 39: Gravestone Battle Armor Mount
Necrolords Renown Rewards
Necrolord players can claim rewards from Su Zettai, the Covenant Quartermaster. Key rewards include:
Renown Level 3: New Appearance Available
Renown Level 9: Covenant Armor Transmogrification Set (Wrist, Hands, Feet)
Renown Level 14: Legendary Recipe - Runecarver Memory
Renown Level 17: Plaguerot Tauralus Mount
Renown Level 20: Jiggles Pet, Illusion - Unbreakable Resolve, Necrolord Hearthstone
Renown Level 21: Final chapter of the Necrolord campaign and Bonesmith Heirmir
Renown Level 22: Covenant Armor Transmogrification Set (Back, Legs, Feet)
Renown Level 30: Covenant Armor Transmogrification Set (Head, Shoulders, Chest)
Renown Level 37: New Weapon appearances
Renown Level 39: Talent row 8 for all Soulbinds
Renown Level 40: Armored Plaguerot Tauralus Mount
Night Fae Renown Rewards
Night Fae players can claim rewards from Elwyn, the Covenant Quartermaster. Notable rewards include:
Renown Level 3: Covenant Transmogrification Appearance - Night Courtier's Bulb
Renown Level 4: Covenant Transmogrification Appearance - Night Courtier's Pack
Renown Level 9: Covenant Armor Transmogrification Set (Wrist, Hands, Waist)
Renown Level 14: Legendary Recipe - Runecarver Memory
Renown Level 17: Shadeleaf Runestag Mount
Renown Level 20: Trootie Pet, Illusion - Wild Soul, Night Fae Hearthstone
Renown Level 22: Covenant Armor Transmogrification Set (Back, Legs, Feet)
Renown Level 30: Covenant Armor Transmogrification Set (Chest, Shoulders, Head)
Renown Level 37: New Weapon appearances
Renown Level 39: Talent row 8 for all Soulbinds
Renown Level 40: Enchanted Shadeleaf Runestag Mount
Shadowlands Pathfinder
Information on flying in Shadowlands and the Pathfinder achievement requirements is limited. However, it's known that flying won't be available from the start, and Covenant Renown will be crucial in unlocking this ability. This approach eliminates the need to grind faction reputations long after completing storylines.
Note: Players no longer need achievements like Draenor Pathfinder or Broken Isles Pathfinder to fly in older zones like Warlords of Draenor or Legion. These zones now require only the Expert Riding skill. However, Battle for Azeroth zones still require their respective Pathfinder achievements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Covenant should I choose?
Your choice of Covenant should align with your gameplay style and aesthetic preferences. Each Covenant offers unique abilities and rewards, so consider what complements your character's strengths or your personal interest.
How do I maximize Renown gain?
To maximize Renown gain, ensure you complete the weekly quests and progress through your Covenant's campaign chapters. Additionally, engage in catch-up activities if you fall behind.
Can I switch Covenants?
Yes, you can switch Covenants, but doing so resets your Renown progress with the new Covenant. Catch-up mechanics are available to help regain lost progress.
What are Soulbinds?
Soulbinds are powerful allies within your Covenant who provide unique abilities and bonuses through their talent trees, which unlock as you gain Renown.
How does Renown affect cosmetics?
As you increase your Renown, you unlock exclusive Covenant-themed cosmetics, including transmogrification sets, pets, and mounts, adding a personalized touch to your character's appearance.
Are there any PvP-related Renown rewards?
While Renown primarily focuses on PvE rewards, some Covenant cosmetics and mounts might appeal to PvP enthusiasts. However, for dedicated PvP rewards, consider PvP Gear Boost services.
How do catch-up mechanics work?
Catching up on Renown involves participating in in-game activities like dungeons, raids, and PvP. These activities provide additional Renown opportunities for those behind the weekly cap.
What happens if I miss a week?
If you miss a week of Renown progression, you can utilize the catch-up mechanics to recover your progress, ensuring you stay on track with your Covenant's rewards.